Trump says shooting a "mental health problem," not a "guns situation," but cops give no motive

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas -- A gunman opened fire inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Sunday, killing 26 people and wounding 20 others, authorities said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the attack the deadliest mass shooting in his state's history. Officials said 23 people were found dead inside the church, two outside, one died after being rushed to a hospital.

On Sunday night, authorities only identified the suspect as a young white male. They said he was seen dressed in all black and tactical gear -- including a "ballistic vest" -- at a local gas station at 11:20 a.m. He then exited his vehicle, crossed the street and began firing an AR-15 style weapon at the church, officials said. The suspect entered the church and continued to fire.

The suspect was later found dead inside his vehicle. Officials are unsure if he was shot by a resident or suffered a self inflicted gunshot wound, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Kevin Jordan, a resident who lives near the church, told CBS affiliate KENS-TV he witnessed the deadly shooting and saw a resident pursue the gunman. "If it wasn't for him, the guy wouldn't have stopped," he said.

Jordan described the resident who confronted the suspect as someone who would do anything for anyone. He said he watched the resident shoot at the suspect while taking cover behind a vehicle.

Video from KENS-TV showed first responders at the scene, located about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio.

Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said in a statement that Kelley is a former U.S. Air Force member who served from 2010 to 2014. Records confirm Kelley previously served in logistics readiness in New Mexico until his discharge in 2014, Stefanek said.

Kelley was court-martialed in 2012 for two counts of assault on his spouse and assault on their child, Stefanek said. He received a bad conduct discharge and confinement for 12 months.

Officials have not released all the names of the 26 people killed, but said they ranged from 18 months to 77 years old.

Annabelle Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor, was one of the victim's killed in the shooting, her mother, Sherri Pomeroy, told CBS News via text message.

"My husband and I were ironically out of town in two different states. We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends," Pomeroy said Sunday.

She added, "Neither of us have made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation. I am at the Charlotte airport trying to get home as soon as I can."

At least two other victims had been identified Monday morning, but there were still people whose condition and whereabouts were unclear.

Dana Fletcher, a business owner in the area, told CBS News she saw a "ton" of sheriff's vehicles and ambulances racing down the road. She said she doesn't know what happened but said there was heavy police presence and people were being airlifted from the scene.

Special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said they were responding to the shooting.

A law enforcement official said an FBI crisis response team is also at the scene assisting local police, CBS News senior investigative producer Pat Milton reports. She says officials are trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

"Victims and their families were in their sacred place of worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel," Mr. Trump said in televised remarks. "In dark times such as these, Americans do we what do best and we pull together. We lock hands and we joins arms. Through the tears and through the sadness we stand strong."

Mr. Trump pledged his full support to the state of Texas and the local communities affected by Sunday's attack.

"We offer our thanks to the first responders, to the FBI, all of the many people involved. I will continue to follow the developments closely. All of America is praying to God."

It was not clear what mental health issues Mr. Trump may have been referring to in the suspect's past, as law enforcement officials had yet to offer any insight into Kelley's suspected motive.

"But, this isn't a guns situation, we could go into it, but it's a little soon to go into it," added Mr. Trump, without further clarification.

Late Sunday evening, around 100 people gathered near the church to remember the victims who were innocently gunned down earlier in the day.

Gov. Abbott attended the vigil and met with community members in the midst of the tragedy.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott comforts a local resident during a candlelight vigil held on Sun., Nov. 5, 2017, following the mass shooting inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
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